LITERACY SPECIALIST

Literacy Specialist

The Tutor/Literacy Specialist supports students participating in our afterschool program by providing engaging, individualized, and small-group literacy instruction. This position is responsible for helping students strengthen reading, writing, comprehension, and foundational literacy skills while fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment. The Literacy Specialist works collaboratively with program staff to support students' academic success and confidence.

Essential Functions:

• Provide individualized and small-group literacy tutoring to students in grades served by the program.
• Assess students' literacy strengths and areas for growth and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs.
• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate reading and writing activities.
• Support homework completion with an emphasis on literacy skills.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment.
• Track student progress and communicate observations with program leadership.
• Collaborate with afterschool staff to integrate literacy enrichment into program activities.
• Maintain accurate attendance and tutoring records.
• Ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development as requested.

Schedule:

• Part-time; 2–3 afternoons per week during the school year
• Program Hours: 2:30 – 6:00pm, Tutor time would start at 3pm (1-2 hour session)

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

YMCA Part-Time Benefits Overview: At the YMCA, we invest in our people so they can better serve our communities. Our part-time employees enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment with valuable benefits that reflect our mission and core values.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Flexible Scheduling
• Professional Development
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Resource Groups

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Reading, English, Elementary Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience tutoring or teaching literacy skills to school-age children.
• Knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and literacy interventions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Reliable, organized, and committed to student success.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) preferred.
• Background check required.

Experience:

• Reading Specialist certification or literacy intervention experience.
• Experience working in afterschool programs or nonprofit youth organizations.
• Familiarity with state literacy standards and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Experience working with diverse learners and English language learners.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to actively engage with students in classroom and recreational settings.

YMCA Safety Requirements:

• CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.
• Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.
• Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.
• Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.
• Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.
• Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Job Type: Part Time

Pay Rate: $20.00 - $25.00 / Hour

Revision Date: 9/9/26

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Salary Description $20 - $25 / Hour